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Availability of Rondon, Coke in DS remains uncertain

Availability of Rondon, Coke in DS remains uncertain

9/24/13: Bruce Rondon has a dominating eighth inning in relief for the Tigers, striking out all three batters he faces on only 10 pitches

By Jason Beck
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MLB.com |

MIAMI -- The Tigers will take Monday off before beginning their postseason workouts on Tuesday at Comerica Park. That could be the day they have a clearer idea about their chances of getting Bruce Rondon and Phil Coke back healthy for the American League Division Series.

"I just think the best way to say that right now is that's on hold," manager Jim Leyland said. "I don't know how else to tell you."

Rondon was unable to throw all weekend, let alone pitch, after undergoing an MRI arthrogram on his sore right elbow on Friday. It was his second MRI in three weeks, and it confirmed the results of the earlier exam, which showed no structural damage.

An MRI arthrogram involves a dye injection and is supposed to reveal a better image than a traditional MRI. The downside is that the injection leaves a pitcher unable to pitch for a few days.

Head athletic trainer Kevin Rand said on Sunday morning that Rondon won't throw until he's no longer experiencing discomfort in the elbow. They thought he had reached that point last Wednesday, when he pitched for the first time in three weeks, but recurring soreness the following day sent them back to square one and ruled him out for the series in Miami.

"At this point we're taking it day to day," Rand said. "As soon he's asymptomatic, we'll play catch with him."

Coke is in a similar situation, except that he's back in Detroit, having spent the weekend rehabbing his sore left flexor in hopes of getting his arm ready for postseason play. Coke hasn't pitched in a game since Sept. 18, against Seattle.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. Read Beck's Blog and follow him on Twitter @beckjason. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.